Jennifer Aniston gets credit for new paparazzi crackdown, says 'there have to be some boundaries'

Jennifer Aniston is getting credit for new legislation in California that cracks down on the practices of the paparazzi.

Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) said Aniston's activism was instrumental in the success of Assembly Bill 524, which takes effect Jan. 1. The law allows for civil penalties of up to $50,000 against members of the paparazzi and media outlets that sell and buy "unlawfully obtained" photos and video of people, including celebrities and their families.

The law focuses on photos and video taken in a way that violates privacy laws, featuring people "engaging in a personal or familial activity" where they have "a reasonable expectation of privacy." This includes photographing people in their backyards or on other private property.

Bass said she wrote the bill after hearing horror stories about the paparazzi from Aniston, who assembled a group of celebrities and entertainment security experts to describe the problems for the Assembly leader.

Aniston recounted having 30 photographers charge her on the sidewalk and instances in which she was followed through Los Angeles streets at night by photographers in SUVs who ran red lights and blocked her car so they could get a shot.

"There have to be some boundaries," Aniston told The Times. "When you have children in the car and the photographers are rushing you, it's just absolutely out of control.

"It's become a public safety issue. Somebody's going to die if we don't do something," she said.

The measure was signed into law in October by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Read Patrick McGreevy's full story here.

Comments

[For Your Protection]

Yeah, 'bout time we did something to deter the salacious Stalkerazzi!

[donalds]

It's about time.
Now, if we would only enforce already existing stalking laws for domestic stalkers and expand services to include victims of ALL stalking crimes. Domestic, organized stalking, gang recruiters and bullies in the work and school place. Trained staff and volunteers to work with the victim, police and DA's office to document the stalking activity and hold them accountable.
I spoke with the DOJ OVC about Organized Stalking and the need for awareness, training and resources. She said she would highlight this crime of stalking when introducing intiatives for the new fiscal year.
January is National Stalking Awareness Month.
Know it. Name it. Stop it.

[Tony B]

There's be no problem if not for the freaks who buy the rags that publish the pictures. They need to get a life of their own.

[Lisa]

Earth to Jennifer Aniston: the moment you step outside your home, you are a public figure! That goes for us great unwashed who made you a multi-millionaire! If you are SO concerned about someone getting hurt or killed because you insist on making a run to In-and-Out, then have one of your flunkies get the burgers instead! For someone whose livelihood depends on the public's support, you should be grateful that anyone beyond your family is interested in you at all!

[Bill T]

I feel bad for the celebs, I really do. but public place means all the public, including the stalkerazzi. The celebs court fame and attention when it suits them but want a privacy shield when it suits them as well. No way. You wanted into the game, now you get to play.

If the stalkers are tresspassing, burn them down, I have no problem with that. If they cut you off in traffic, jail them. But if you want to want to walk around nude in your backyard, knowing that several other properties overlook yours, you don't have privacy, you have delusions.

[hidden4]

If you don't like the attention, don't get famous! Plenty of privacy for those not in the entertainment business!!

[Dana Swart]

Why is it the examples that are given will not be changed because of this legislation. Nobody should have an expectation of privacy on a sidewalk, in the street, or on the road. When you are out in public, you are by definition not PRIVATE. So Ms. Bass is basically justifying her legislative job by passing a law that will not do anything to curb the problems that Ms. Aniston is having while out in public. Great job you disfunctional legislator.

[Violet]

Glad to hear this. These wild animal packs should have to abide by some basic safety rules at the very least. They engage in and cause some very dangerous situations.

[David_U]

Just get rid of "celebrities" what ever they are.
Don't people have more to do than prying into other peoples lives?

[linda tracey]

Princess Diana died in a car crash while the paparazzi were chasing them for photos. That should of been enough to set up federal laws. They're the scum of the earth. I really don't care what actors do in their personal life. They also do not have any business in politics either(other than Reagan). I don't even watch tv anymore because of the garbage that is on it. They're actors, they are not GODS, until the public stops reading and watching the crap, we stuff the wallets of the garbage shows and magazines.

[Chuck]

'bout time. Well done Jennifer, speaker Bass and Arny.

[Marie]

It's about time. You go girl!!!

[Melanie]

I can't even imagine living a life where I am always being watched. Celebrities also deserve their privacy!

[Scott ffolliot]

How many news photographers will suffer from this law? One more chill for liberty in order to protect rich people.

[Ugh]

I've seen one of these idiot photographers in Beverly Hills totally peel out of a parking lot and drive the wrong way up the street. All of this to get a snapshot of someone coming out of a Starbucks or something? I understand that being a celebrity automatically means that you give up your anonymity, but this type of stuff is stupid, and very dangerous.

It's silly that everything has to be legislated, though. These idiots should simply exercise common sense and restraint to get their shots. And if we (the public) stopped caring about who's playing in the park with their kids, shopping at the grocery store in flip flops, or stumbling out of a nightclub drunk, maybe this stuff would stop...?

[CommonSense]

The freedom of the press already killed someone...Lady Diana anyone? The press took pictures while she was dying. They were more interested in getting the scoop that would give them the payout. Sick that it took this long.

[hope2chat]

I understand the "reasonable expectation of privacy" however on a sidewalk is simply a public sidewalk. I don't really understand the interest in Aniston and don't the "rags" only publish the flavor of the month anyway? Honestly there will always be a newer younger more interesting starlet around the corner and on the sidewalk for that matter. This is just a sign of progress. It won't get better. Aniston and those like her will (and are) a soon forgotten memory. Next.

[Kristin]

It would be one thing if they discreetly took pictures in bushes (in a public setting) and that was the end of it. However many of them are pushy and can get a little too physical, especially if you happen to be blocking their shot. Like another poster here I've also seen them peel out of parking lots (I almost got hit by one in Santa Monica) and I've seen them literally push people out of their way to get a picture. They are a danger to anyone standing between them and whichever celebrity they happen to be stalking. The fact that's even gotten to this point is just sad.

[Natalie]

I love Jennifer Aniston. Way to stick up for yourself, lady!